Electric socket member having plugin openings for the prongs of a plurality of plugs



Nov. 27, 1951 J. R. wooo 2,576,165 ELECTRIC SOCKET MEMBER HAVING PLUG-IN OPENINGS FOR THE PRONGS OF A FLURALITY OF PLUGS Filed Feb. 24, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet l 4 5 x W 6, hi-

- INVENTOR. 1 JOHN R W000 ATTORNEY Nov. 27, 1951 R WQQD 2,576,165

ELECTRIC SOCKET MEMBER HAVING PLUG-IN OPENINGS FOR THE PRONGS OF A PLURALITY 0F PLUGS Filed Feb. 24, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 e--40 4 c a c c 3,41 :41 c' 5 v 1; 31 ,149 -s 16 2 s2 37 2.5 Pic-3.5 1a FIG.2

INVENTOR. JOHN RWooo ATTORNEY J. R. WOOD MEMBER HAVING PLUG-IN OPENINGS Nov. 27, 1951 ELECTRIC SOCKET I5 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Feb, 24, 1948 33 33 33 D3 Dwrnk Jl. o

C i C i CE C Q C .MC@ 3 G INVENTOR. JOHN R. Wooo ATTORNEY ,1 a/ Um Patented Nov. 27, 1951 ELECTRIC SOCKET MEMBERHAVING PLUG- IN OPENINGS FOR THE PRONGS OF A PLU-' RALITY OF PLUGS John R. Wood, Burbank, Calif., assignor of onethird to John R. Wood, one-thirdto Thomas J Wood, Sn, and one-third to Thomas J. Wood,

J r., joint trustees Application February 24, 1948, Serial No. 10,277

3 Claims.

This invention relates to a portable electric plug or current distributing device having a plurality of outlet sockets, whereby electric current may be readily distributed from a main supp y source to a plurality of electrically operated de- Other objects of the invention will be apparent vices (for instance, light bulbs) for operation into those skilled in the art to which my invention dependently one from the other. The invention relates from the following description taken in is particularly applicable in connection with a connection with the accompanyi drawings, display, such as Christmas trees, especially with wherein:

trimmings thereon, where parts of the display are Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing a front to be illuminated without undue exposure to view elevation of a Christmas tree in outline with an of the equipment (wires and connections) emillumination system applied thereto embodying ployed for supplying electric current to the light the principle of the invention. bulbs, at the same time providing a distributing Fig. 2 is a side elevation of a multiple plug sockdevice which lends itself for ready incorporation et with plugs and connectors positioned at each or mounting in the display. Thus, the distributing device may be located for ready accessibility while providing desirable locations for the light,

bulbs of an illumination system to produce maxi mum lighting and decorative efiects.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved portable device of relatively simple construction for distributing electric current supplied from a main source to a plurality of connectors.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved portable device for distributing electric current capable of ready and economical fab-,

rication and assembly and having a large number of outlets.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved current distributing device enclosing electric conductors and having provision therein for securing the conductors to the device to prevent displacement of either or both conductors.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved current distributing device adapted to support a plurality of plugs and consisting of a pair of elongated sections and a pair of longitudinally extending electric conductors therebetweem; the inner Walls of said sections being constructed to secure the conductors against endwise movement.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved current distributing device consisting of a pair of elongated members formed of non-conducting material the opposed faces of which are formed with longitudinally extending grooves for conductors and having plug-in sockets formed in the opposite outer faces of the members to provide for a large number of outlets.

A further object of the invention is to provide ly operated device wherein provision is made to eliminate danger of fire due to short circuiting or arcing.

side thereof. I

Fig. 3 is an elevation showing the left-hand side of the structure illustrated in Fig. 2, the conductors being omitted.

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view of the" structure shown in Fig. 2 as shown along the line 44 looking in the direction of the arrows. v

Fig. 5 is a central horizontal sectional view taken along the line 5-5 shown in Fig. 4, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail View, partly in section, showing the manner in which a prong is connected with a conductor.

Fig. 7 is an end view takenalong the line 1-'| shown in Fig. 4, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 8 is a top plan view, partly in section, illustrating a modified construction of branch connectoryunit.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the structure shown in Fig. 8 as seen along the line 9-9, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9, but showing a modification. t

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 4, but showing a diiferentform of construction.

Fig. 12 is an elevation on the line lI2-I2 of Fig.11. t i

Fig. 131 isa fragmentary section on the line |3|3 of Fig. 11, enlarged.

The invention herein disclosed is shown for illustrative purposes as applied to a Christmas tree, whereby the latter may be illuminated to form a display, In such a display one or more distributing devices or multiple plug sockets (three being shown in Fig. 1), each indicated as an entirety at I, may be employed. In indicates a cable. embodying a pair of conductors 2, 3, and having a plug terminal adapted to be connected to a standard type of transformer 5 preferably supplying.

low voltage such as, for example, 12 volts. The

transformer is connected to a source of current by a cable terminating in a plug 1.

. When it is desired to use 110 volts for the i1- lumination system, the'plug 4 directly connected to the source of current in place of the plug 1, as will be well understood. The main line cable la is shown as provided with a plurality of v multiple plug sockets l, the end socket I. being provided with a suspension hook I24, wherebyiit may be engaged over a branch near the upper portion of the Christmas tree.

Inasmuch as each of the branch lines is: en gaged or electrically connected with a source of; current at one of the multiple plug socket'devices I, it is obvious that the first step in decorating a Christmas tree is to place thehook M1 adjacent,

' devices. The grooves and recesses 33, Marc formed in each ofthe adjacent faces of the members 31:, 32-,so that'the Wires 2, 3, will be firmly engaged therein and so that the main line cable la willjhave.itsinsulatedportion adjacent the multithe upper part of the tree and thus dispose the multiple plug sockets l at suitably spaced intervals along the trunk of the tree. This operation iscQndu'eted independently ofthe positioning of any branch li-nes-of conductors and thusno inter! ference with any ornaments already on the tree will take place. The placing of the lights about the tree, accordingly; will be an independent operation for each bulb and its associated con- :ductor and the artistic grouping orassembling of the lights in suitable relation to other ornaments can be accomplished in a manner to produce the maximum decorative effect over the entire area. Thus; with the multiple plugconductors in place,

the individual branch lines, for instance the line l5, can be plugged-into the adjacent multiple socket I- by-meansof the plug [6 and the bulb l! in the'socke't [8 will-- thus be in direct connection with the circuit since the conductor lhastwo wiresand thus' completes a circuit to each bulb individually. As shown, the substitution of a number of bulbs connected in a series with a single plug such as the plug; I16 may be substituted forthe linei 5- and itsassociated parts so as to providea cluster illumination of low voltage bulbs in the-series line.-

' In most instances individual bulbs. of highervoltage than has been conventional in connection with Christmas treelightingare now being used such as bulbs on a 110-volt circuit. When it is found desirable because ofthe density of the branching of .the Christmas tree adjacent its lower area to provide a branch-distribution point, then a connector unit 2! such as is shownin the lowerpart of-"Fig-urelv may be used. The unit 2| consists of a supply linen plugged into. the ad-' jacent socket I and an outlet member 24- to which bulbs may be permanently connected theretoby-means 'ofthelines 22, 23, and may also have individual plug-in connections such as isshown in theline 24 connected by means of the plug 25 with outlet member 2 I. r r

The construction of the several unitsof' the illumination system is shown in Figs. 2 to- 901 the drawing; Figs. 2 to 5 relating to the multiple plug blocks. of insulatingmaterialand their adjacent faces are formed with longitudinalgrcoves 33, 34,

inparallel spaced relation extending overalmost ple plug socket at each end housed within the respective terminal recess of the multiple plug socket which receives the stripped wires in the body portion ot-the socket after the insulation of the main conductor cable has been stripped. therefrom.

Adjacent each of the longitudinal grooves. or channels '33, 34 eachofthe members 3| and 32 of-'eachofthe multiple plug sockets areformed with a'series of pairs of plug contact receiving recesses it. Each recess 41 is of somewhat largerdiameter than the diameter of the contact prong it is to receive. Y The pairs of recesses M- in one member are staggered: in relation to those of its: companion member, as shown in Fig. 2. Each of thelarger recesses is continued intotheintermediate'area of the companion member in the form of a narrower recess 43-into which the outer end of" the adjacent'contact prong snugly extends after it has made contact withone of the stripped conductor wires 2, 3-, positioned in the channels ofthe-members 3 l ,32

As will be observed in Fig. 5, the axes. of the openings 4i, 43; at the outer side ofeach-wire 2; 3-, are sorelated thereto as to insure a frictional engagement underpressure of the plug prong withthe wire,- to.insure-a positiveelectrical contact between these parts; also, that by providing for the support of -each prong in both members 3-1, 32, at the inner andouter sides. of the adjacent'wire, dangerof t-he-electrical connection referred to being afiected 'by lateral stresses on-the outer end of the plug is reduced to a minimum.

The-plugs: lB and sockets ill of the individual linesl5 are preferablyeach of 'thesolderlesstype.

I ably clamping the; wall 0.5;; the tubular member upon the'wire. The opposite endAQ ofthe prong is rounded so as to co-operate with in-the members 3ji-and32; c r r The prongs li; after engagement with the re,-

speictive wires of the adjacent line IBIarereoeivedi inparallel; recesses Shin; the complementary. halves of the body ofthe plug it; The recesses,

are especially shaped to receive the enlargements 4 which serve to hold the prongs "fi m y ll. 13951:. t1onas they project beneath the base of the plug;

the recesses I 55. Thus each plug I6 is a solderless unit secured to one end of the line I and at the other end'of said line a solderless socket I8 is provided within which is engaged a miniature lamp bulb The branch connector unit 2| is illustrated in Figs. 8 and '9, and permits the current tobe distributed from points spaced away. from the main line Ia along the trunk of the tree, thus reducing the length of the individual lines-which may be required within the lower more heavily branched area of the tree. As stated, each unit 2| may also have one or more permanently at;- tached branch lines or extensions 22, 23, as shown inFig.1.

The branch connector unit 2| is formed ofdnsulating material and may receive 2 current through the line 20 connected with one of .the multiple plug sockets and received at its free end within an annular recess 52 provided between the unit halves which are firmly held together by means of a central rivet 52', which also passes through a central clamping block 53, having recesses adjacent the rivet shank into whichrshallow bosses 54, 55, disposed centrally of the enlargements '56, 51, of the inner walls of. the unit project. The enlargements are each provided with small recesses adjacent the conductor line 20 to receive the inturned ends of the stripped wires 58, 59, on the terminating ends of the wires forming the line 20, these ends serving to provide firmly engaged solderless connections with the respective current distributing disks 6|, 62. The disks BI, 62, as shown in Fig. 9 are of annular shape and are engaged over the respective shallow bosses 54, 55, which center them within the unit and anchor them securely to provide for frictional contact with the prongs of an individual line plug l5a. To provide for easy contact with the disks 6|, 62, the margins of the disks have pertions 53 which are flared toward the adjacent walls of the unit providing a contact rib 64 on the inward marginal areas against which the prongs of the plug I Eat engage to complete the circuit.

As has been indicated, permanent lines 22, may be connected with the unit or a large number of individual plug connections |5a may be provided for in the manner shown in Fig. 8. When the permanent lines are attached to the respective disks the manner of forming the contact will be substantially identical with the connection of the inturned ends of the stripped wires 58, 59, of the conductor line 20.

The effect of the illumination systemon the tree decorations is of outstanding character, as the substantially complete concealment of the conductor lines prevents any diversion of an observers attention away from the purely artistic features of the assembled elements as a unitary design.

As stated, the entire system may be formed without the use of solder or the like.

Fig. shows a connector unit 2|a somewhat similar in construction to that shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

The unit 2| a consists of two side walls 66, 66a, having axially disposed hollow bosses 61 and annular side walls 31a surrounding the bosses and arranged to form within the unit an annular recess 52a into which the prongs of a plug |5a and conductors 2, 3, extend. Annular disks 6| a, 62a, formed of electric conducting material and surrounding the bosses 61 are secured to the inner faces of the walls 66, 66a, respectively, by a sleeve 68 surrounding the bosses 51 and formed of suitable insulating material, such as fiber. The disks 86, 66a, are secured together by a rivet 63. The sleeve 68 is cut to a length so as to engage the disks 6|a, 62a, under pressure when the walls are secured together by the rivet 69. By preference, a clip 2|a: is attached exteriorly to one of the walls 66, 66a, by the rivet 69. The clip 2h: is formed of resilient metal for engagement with a part of the display to support the unit thereon. Figs. 11 and 12 illustrate a modified form of distributing device. In this embodiment of the invention the inner wall 3|.r of each body member 3|, 32 (one of said members only being shown in Fig. 12), is extended at its opposite ends seats 3|a, of substantially arcuate shape for the lead-in portions of the conductors 2, 3, so that the latter are held against endwise movement; by preference the free end of each head 3hr is disposed in plane tranverse to the axis of the wall 3|:c and disposed at substantially right angles to the sides of the head, so that those portions of the seats 3 la defined by the free ends of the adjacent related heads provide angular sections in the conductors as shown at 2a, 3a, to interlock the conductors 2, 3, to the walls of the body members 3|, 32, and hence prevent endwise movement of the conductors relative to the body members 3!, 32. It will thus be observed that each distributing device I constitutes a unitary assembly and when the body members 3|, 32, of each device are connected together, no additional electric connections are required. In fabrication any number of distributing devices I may be connected in spaced relation in a cable Ia; where too many devices are provided, the user may cut off the one most remote from the terminal plug 4 or as many additional devices I as desired without afiecting the remaining devices. In this form of construction, the outer end portion of each recess 4| is enlarged, as shown at Ma. The enlarged portion 4|a is formed for the purpose of accommodating a sleeve 65 formed or suitable insulating material and mounted on each prong 45, as shown in Figs. 11 and 13. It will be observed that the sleeves 65 on the prongs 45 are disposed intermediate the ends thereof and when the latter are inserted in a pair of recesses 4| they extend outwardly beyond the outer face or surface of the device I and thus tend to eliminate short circuiting.

This application is a continuation in part of my co-pending application Ser. No. 667,947, filed May 7, 1946, now Letters Patent No. 2,558,029, dated June 26, 1951.

To those skilled in the art to which my invention relates many changes in construction and widely difiering embodiments and applications thereof will be apparent without departing from the scope of the invention. The descriptions and disclosures herein are merely illustrative and not in any sense intended to be limiting.

What I claim is:

1. In a multiple plug socket adapted to enclose the continuous current conducting wires in and intermediate the ends of an insulated cable,

amen

the. combination of a. pair of elongated members" or similar shape and size and; formed of insulatiin'g material, means; for securing said members: together; the inner Walls of said members at opposite ends thereof being formed with related: recesses forming: inlet openings for lead-in wires,.the inner wall of one of said members being formed with spaced parallel grooves extending longitudinally thereof connected with: said openings, the wires of the cable co-extensive with said grooves being stripped of the insulation and seated in said grooves, respectively, each of said members being formed with a plurality of pairs or transversely extending through openings and the inner'wall of the other member being formed with: aplurali'ty of pairs of recesses, eachalinect with-one orthe pairs of through openings, the

through openings of eachpair thereofintersecting the conductor grooves, whereby the prongs of! a plug when inserted ina selected pair of through openings contact the conductors, respec tive'l-y, thethrough openings in one member and alined recesses being staggered relative to the through openings and alineclrecesses in the other member.

gagemen-t or the: came with the walls ofxtlie seats serving to. prevent endwise 'movementor the cable and conductor wires relative to saidmembers.

' tensive' in. length to'said grooves and electrically 2a In a, device for distributing electric cur- 7 rent to a plurality of circuits, thecombination of a pair of elongated members formed of insulating material, means for securing said memhere together, the inner walls of said members at each'end thereof being formed with related recessesforming inlet openings for lead-in wires andthe inner wall of one of said members being formed with spaced parallel grooves connected with said openings and extending longitudinally ofsaid member, and conductors mounted in and co-extensive in length to said grooves and elec trically connected to said lead-in wires, respectively, the side wall of one of said membersbeing formed with a plurality of pairs of transverselyextending through openings and theinner wall of the other member being formed with a plurality of pairs of transversely extending recesses, each alined with one of said through openings, the through openings of each pair' thereof intersecting the conductor grooves, whereby the pron'gs'of a plug, when inserted in a selected pair oi through openings contact the conductors, resectively; said inlet openings within saidm'embers being enlarged and the wall between said grooves being extended at its opposite ends into saidopenings and terminating in heads-to form "he cable extending into said. openings, the enconnected to'said lead-in'wires, respectively, the side wall of one of said members being formed with a pluralityof pairs of transversely extending through openings and the inner wall of "the other member being formed with a plurality of pairs or transversely e'xtending recesses, each alined with one of said through openingsthe through openings of each pair thereof intersect-1 ing the conductor grooves, whereby the prongs of aplug when inserted in a selected pair of throughopening'scontact the conductors, respectively, and'the-outer'end's of each pair of through open ings being enlarged and adapted to' accommodate sleeves formed of insulating material mounted;

on the prongs of each plug. 7

' JOHN R. WOOD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are ofre'oord inthe file of this patent: UNITED STATES PATENTS 

